Penn State’s Olu Fashanu, Chop Robinson recognized as All-Americans (Robinson was one of six edge rushers recognized by the AP, joining UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, James Madison’s Jalen Green, Utah’s Jonah Elliss, Florida State’s Jared Verse and Washington’s Bralen Trice. Robinson also has a chance to land in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Robinson, a first-team All-Big Ten pick, was a fixture on the front four the last two seasons. The former five-star prospect transferred to Penn State ahead of the 2022 season after one year at Maryland. Robinson was a handful for opposing offenses to deal with upon arrival. Robinson used his speed, strength and motor to accumulate 17 1/2 tackles for loss and 9 1/2 sacks in 22 appearances. Robinson’s 20.8% pass rush win rate — which measures how often a pass rusher beats their blocker within 2.5 seconds — ranked tied for eighth nationally, per Pro Football Focus. And his tape was even more impressive than his stats. If Robinson lands in the first round, he would be the third Penn State defensive player to do so in the James Franklin era, joining Micah Parsons (2021) and Odafe Oweh (2021).) (12-11-23):
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2023/12/penn-states-olu-fashanu-chop-robinson-recognized-as-all-americans-by-associated-press.html
College Football Week 12: PFF Team of the Week and Player Awards (EDGE: Chop Robinson, Penn State. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: EDGE CHOP ROBINSON, PENN STATE - Robinson rushed the passer just 14 times in Week 12 but did so in devastating fashion. He finished the game with four total pressures, including a sack, along with five defensive stops and a forced fumble.) (11-20-23):
https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-12-pff-team-of-the-week-and-player-awards
Lions draft: 10 early candidates to be Detroit's 1st-round pick in 2024 (Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State: Robinson was once seen as a potential top-10 pick, but he hasn’t played to that level in 2023. The freakish athleticism for a 250-pound pass rusher is evident, and his speed around the edge calls to mind former Nittany Lion Micah Parsons. Robinson’s work in shedding blocks and finishing plays needs some refinement, but the potential for an impact pass rusher is certainly there in the Maryland transfer. The always-hot motor holds real appeal for Detroit.) (11-18-23):
https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-draft-10-early-candidates-to-be-detroits-1st-round-pick-in-2024/
Edge Rushers Lions Could Target in 2024 NFL Draft (Chop Robinson, Penn State: Robinson's Nittany Lions didn't defeat Michigan Saturday, but the edge rusher played a huge role in forcing the opposing Wolverines to abandon their pass game. Early in the game, he proved to be a force working against Michigan right tackle Karsen Barnhart. He notched a 91.3 Pro Football Focus pass rush grade for his performance, which included three pressures. In total, Robinson has 22 pressures in eight games this season. He's been consistent throughout the season, securing three sacks and five tackles for loss. His athleticism is a problem for offensive tackles, a trait that signals success at the next level. ) (11-16-23):
https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/edge-rushers-lions-could-add-2024-nfl-draft
6 Prospects to Watch in Michigan-Penn State Showdown (DE Chop Robinson: Aidan Hutchinson needs a running mate. The Lions have struggled to get consistent production from a second EDGE rusher, which has allowed opponents to account for Hutchinson more often. Robinson's skillset off the edge would make him a strong presence defensively. While taking some of the attention off Hutchinson, he also has enough ability to be an impact player at the next level. He has three sacks already this season. With a strong day against the Wolverines, Robinson could stake his claim to being a top EDGE-rushing prospect in next year's draft.) (11-11-23):
https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/prospects-to-watch-in-michigan-penn-state-showdown
Top 2024 NFL Draft Underclassmen We Could See in This Year’s All-Star Game Circuit (Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State: Similarly to Turner, Chop Robinson is almost a sure-fire top draft pick for a team needing a potential franchise changer at defensive end. Robinson may not have the same versatility as some of the other top edge defenders over the past few years, but he does make up for that with his length, speed, and athleticism combo. Moving up draft boards is the biggest draw for a player like Robinson, though he’ll have the benefit of every NFL decision-maker attending the Penn State Pro Day as we await the unreal numbers that are sure to come from his workout.) (11-8-23):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-2024-nfl-draft-underclassmen-we-could-see-at-all-star-games/
2024 NFL Draft: Every top-25 team's best prospect ahead of Week 10 (11. PENN STATE: EDGE CHOP ROBINSON - PFF big board rank: 10. Robinson is one of the most twitched-up pass-rushers in the 2024 class. It was a bit of a slow burn for him to start the season, but he has two games with a 22%-plus pass-rush win rate, including against Iowa when he recorded an astounding 46.7% clip.) (11-3-23):
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-every-top-25-team-best-prospect-week-10
Week 9 CFB prospect watch guide: Players with something to prove (Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State: Robinson is an interesting top-50 prospect as a really good pass rusher who doesn’t get a lot of sacks. He’s proven to be a very effective pressure generator, one that can win with great hands, good cornering around the edge and some decent countermoves — but only 10 career sacks to show for it, 2.5 this year. NFL teams typically want more sack production from a potential first-round pass rusher. Not always; there are notable exceptions, but it’s not going to work for every team. Robinson hasn’t played a ton thanks to blowout wins, so that’s certainly something for NFL teams to look at, too. This week, the Nittany Lions play Indiana, one of the worst offenses in college football. Robinson had a stellar game against the Hoosiers last year, living in the Indiana backfield. He should be able to do so once again. It’s a good opportunity for the talented Robinson to bag a sack or two and work on finishing what he starts) (10-28-23):
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nfl-draft-cfb-week-9-watch-nix-treveyon-henderson-corleone-catalon-chop-robinson/
2024 NFL draft: Top Five EDGE rushers for Lions fans to watch (Chop Robinson, Penn State (6-3, 250): Indiana at Penn State, Noon: Robinson’s draft position could potentially be closer to the top 10, thanks to his polished skills and explosive edge rushing ability. Although he may not be available when the Lions make their selection, general manager Brad Holmes is renowned for his adeptness at working the phone lines. Pairing a phenomenal athlete like Robinson with Aidan Hutchinson could lead to an instant upgrade for the Lions’ defense. This season he has nine tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble.) (10-28-23):
https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/10/2024-nfl-draft-top-five-edge-rushers-for-lions-fans-to-watch.html
2024 NFL Draft: College Football Game Recaps – Week 8 (Another Penn State first-round prospect whose stock could have been hurt significantly in this game was defensive end Chop Robinson. The difference is Robinson played well, but in the first half, he left the game when his leg collapsed on him while fighting off a block. Robinson was carted into the locker room, and it looked like it could be a serious knee injury. Hopefully, tests reveal that is not major issue like a torn ACL or Achilles. An injury like that either of those could push Robinson down to Day 2 if he decides to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.) (10-22-23):
https://walterfootball.com/draft2024recap_08.php
NFL Draft: 10 elite defensive prospects to watch in Week 8's marquee matchups (Chop Robinson, OLB/DE, Penn State, 6-3, 254, junior. The Nittany Lions lead the country in sacks per game, averaging 4.5 over their first six contests. Robinson "only" has three of his team's 27 sacks over that span, but his explosiveness generates many more big plays than his personal statistics suggest. He offers an exciting combination of burst, power and flexibility, with a compact frame that allows him to line up inside and out, up in the two-point stance, or with his hand in the dirt. He is equally adept at beating offensive tackles with his speed off the edge and "chopping" his way through the B gap with strong, coordinated hands. Robinson projects very similarly to the NFL as recent Penn State edge rushers Arnold Ebiketie (2022), Jayson Oweh (2021) and Yetur Gross-Matos (2020), who were selected 38th, 31st and 38th overall of their draft classes, respectively.) (10-19-23):
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/nfl-draft-10-elite-defensive-prospects-to-watch-in-week-8-marquee-matchups
2024 NFL Draft Stock Report (Up - Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State: All night versus the Hawkeyes, Robinson fired past their blockers and causing havoc in the backfield. In the second quarter, Robinson used his speed to fly past guard and force Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara into a third-down completion. Shortly later, Robinson had another speed rush into the pocket, leaping high into the air and knocking his blocker into McNamara. In the third quarter, Robinson showed his explosion and ability to bend flying off the corner to blow by the left tackle and get a hit on McNamara. Late in the game, Robinson roasted the left tackle with a hand slap before exploding into Iowa’s backup quarterback to create a strip-sack that Penn State recovered. Robinson’s performance against the Hawkeyes illustrated his potential to be a dangerous speed rusher in the NFL. He has a lightning-fast first-step with the athletic ability to get low and bend around the edge. Robinson shows speed to power and is a hard-charging edge rusher who really challenges offensive linemen. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder is undersized for run defense at the next level. The modern NFL game, however, is driven by passing, so Robinson’s quarterback-hunting ability could allow him to end up as a first-round pick for the 2024 NFL Draft.) (9-26-23):
https://walterfootball.com/draft2024stock_04.php
NFL Draft Notes: College Football Game Recaps (The prospect who really helped himself in this game was Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson. He fired past blockers all night and wreaked havoc in the backfield. In the second quarter, Robinson used his speed to fly past the Iowa guard and force quarterback Cade McNamara into a third-down incompletion. Shortly later, Robinson had another speed rush into the pocket, leaping high into the air and knocking his blocker into the quarterback. In the third quarter, Robinson showed his explosion and ability to bend flying off the corner, blowing by the left tackle to get a hit on McNamara. Late in the fourth quarter, Robinson roasted the Hawkeyes left tackle with a hand slap-and-explosion combination to strip-sack the backup quarterback. Penn State then recovered the loose ball. This game illustrated that Robinson can be a dangerous speed rusher for the NFL. He has a lightning-fast first-step and the athletic ability to get low and bend around the edge. Robinson demonstrates speed to power and is a hard-charging edge rusher who really challenges offensive linemen. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder is undersized for run defense at the next level, but the NFL is driven by passing, so his quarterback-hunting talents could make him a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.) (9-23-23):
https://walterfootball.com/draft2024recap_04.php
NFL scouts will be watching Dillon Gabriel, Tommy Eichenberg, more in Week 4 (A varied Penn State pass rush and raucous Happy Valley crowd, however, will easily be Richman’s toughest challenge of the young season. Senior Adisa Isaac and junior Chop Robinson are among Penn State’s deep and speedy stable of pass rushers — a group that has already registered 10 sacks in just three games. Robinson does not technically have a sack yet (though he has two tackles for loss), but he explodes out of his stance and possesses the core flexibility to get skinny through creases in the line, creating easy big-play opportunities for teammates that scouts will not overlook.) (9-21-23):
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/nfl-scouts-will-be-watching-dillon-gabriel-tommy-eichenberg-more-in-week-4
CFB Week 3 2023: Draft Prospects Spencer Rattler, Jer'Zhan Newton, and Malik Nabers Stand Out (Chop Robinson has not established a steady production record with his pass-rushing ability in 2023, but his two-phase ability is impressive. Despite being a bit undersized at 6’3”, with non-elite length, the 250-pound defender is dense and compact and has the twitch, motor, and strength to destroy gaps and slab blockers attempting to create displacement.) (9-18-23):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb-week-3-2023-draft-prospects/
CFB Week 2 2023: Draft Prospects Quinn Ewers, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Payton Wilson Stand Out (Chop Robinson might be a first-round pick, but he was the second-best pass rusher on the field for the Nittany Lions on Saturday. Abdul Carter isn’t draft eligible, but there is no wondering why he’s been graced with the No. 11 on PSU’s defense. Even when trying to focus on Robinson at the snap, your eyes naturally drew to Carter.) (9-10-23):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb-week-2-2023-draft-prospects/
College Draft Prospects Lions Must Watch Week 1 (EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State - The Lions have two exciting young players at the edge rusher position in Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston. If they want to get richer, a player like Robinson would fit perfect. As a sophomore, he totaled 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. He posted a 64.3 overall PFF defensive grade and 13 total pressures. He's a solid athlete who has an arsenal of moves to get after the quarterback. The next step in his development is to be more consistent against the run. Penn State is viewed as an outside contender for the Big 10 title. If they can challenge, it will be because of their defense anchored by Robinson.) (9-2-23):
https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-draft-prospects-to-watch-week-one
2024 draft watch: 8 players to watch, including DT Jer’Zhan Newton (Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State (junior) - 6-foot-3, 255 pounds. An excerpt from Brugler’s edge rusher preview ($): Some pass rushers require a runway to get going, but Robinson accelerates 0-to-60 in a blink. With his athletic twitch, he has the initial burst to threaten the corner or attack the chest of blockers for speed-to-power opportunities. Robinson’s athletic traits and understanding of leverage make him a tough player to corral. How he’d fit with the Lions: Penn State has produced a lot of NFL starting-level defensive linemen in recent years and Robinson looks to be the next in line. A lot of credit for producing wave after wave of defensive linemen goes to former defensive line coach John Scott Jr., who now holds the same role with the Lions. Under Scott’s tutelage, Robinson generated 40 pressures in 2022 as a rotational reserve and is just scratching the surface of his potential. If anyone in the NFL will have a firm grasp on Robinson’s developmental ceiling, it’ll be Scott—which is a big advantage for Detroit.) (9-2-23):
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/9/2/23856203/detroit-lions-2024-draft-watch-8-players-watch-jerzhan-newton-chop-robinson-jared-verse-nate-wiggins
2024 NFL draft: Preseason EDGE watch list and early rankings (7. Chop Robinson, Penn State: Robinson is the more hyped Nittany Lions EDGE in this class, but a lack of size and bulk (under 240 pounds) keeps him from being ranked higher than teammate Adisa Isaac. Chop (real name: Demeioun) transferred from Maryland and showed a lot of potential but also some technical rawness. One of the most variable draft stocks in the entire class, not just his position group.) (8-21-23):
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nfl-draft-preseason-edge-watch-list-position-rankings/
Early 2024 NFL Draft edge defender rankings: Florida State's Jared Verse has dominated FCS and FBS (3. CHOP ROBINSON, PENN STATE: When you flip on Penn State’s defensive tape from 2022, it won’t take you long to say, “Who is that dude on the defensive line with no gloves, no sleeves, wearing a number in 40s and wreaking havoc every other play?” That would be Demeioun “Chop” Robinson. Nicknamed “Pork Chop” as a baby, which has since been shortened to “Chop” after he leaned out and muscled up, Robinson has the best first step in the class. His speed-to-power conversion on bull rushes at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds is imposing, which shows in his 20.9% pass-rush win rate. His arms are shorter than ideal and he’s still rounding out his pass-rush arsenal, but at a position that gravitates to elite athletes, Robinson has the gravitational pull of the sun.) (8-9-23):
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-early-2024-nfl-draft-edge-defender-rankings-jared-verse
2024 NFL Draft: 12 EDGE Prospects to Watch (Demeioun “Chop” Robinson (Penn State): Beginning his career at Maryland, Robinson played 263 snaps there in 2021 before transferring to Penn State and emerging as one of the most efficient pass-rushers in college football last year, being credited by PFF with 48 combined sacks, hits, and hurries over 267 rush snaps. He’s on the smaller side at 6’3”, 242, but has a gritty, physical style of play, with good knee-bend and leverage allowing him to play with more power than anticipated. A smooth, lanky edge, he could become an effective every-down player in the pros if he continues to fill out his frame and add functional strength.) (7-10-23):
https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/07/2024-nfl-draft-12-edge-prospects-to-watch/
2024 NFL Draft: 10 draft-eligible edge defenders to know (3. CHOP ROBINSON, PENN STATE - When you flip on Penn State’s defensive tape from 2022, it won’t take you long to say, “Who is that dude on the defensive line with no gloves, no sleeves, wearing a number in 40s and wreaking havoc every other play?” That would be Demeioun “Chop” Robinson. Nicknamed “Pork Chop” as a baby, which has since been shortened to “Chop” after he leaned out and muscled up, Robinson has the best first step in the class. His speed-to-power conversion on bull rushes at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds is imposing, which shows in his 20.9% pass-rush win rate. His arms are shorter than ideal and he’s still rounding out his pass-rush arsenal, but at a position that gravitates to elite athletes, Robinson has the gravitational pull of the sun.) (6-6-23):
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-10-draft-eligible-edge-defenders-to-know
Top 10 returning edge defenders in college football for the 2023 season (3. CHOP ROBINSON, PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS - After seeing limited playing time at Maryland as a true freshman, Robinson transferred intradivision to Penn State and broke out as a sophomore. He led all Power Five edge defenders in overall grade (90.6) and pass-rushing grade (92.4). For his efforts, he was the fourth-most valuable Power Five edge defender according to PFF’s wins above average metric.) (5-5-23):
https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-10-returning-edge-defenders-in-college-football-for-the-2023-season
Penn State Nittany Lions Preview: Roster, Prospects, Schedule, and More (Chop Robinson, EDGE: It’s no surprise that EDGE is a heavily anticipated position each year for the school that produced Micah Parsons. This year, Chop Robinson is the one to watch as a potential early-round pick. At 6’3″, 250 pounds, Robinson has decent size, although his length and raw traits aren’t at the root of his appeal. Rather, Robinson wins with his hot motor, active hands, prying urgency, and his flexibility when splicing through blocks.) (8-1-23):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/penn-state-nittany-lions-preview-2024-draft/
2024 NFL Draft: 8 draft-eligible prospects who could vault themselves into first-round consideration (EDGE CHOP ROBINSON, PENN STATE: Despite being undersized at 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds, Robinson delivered a dominant season for the Nittany Lions in 2023. The Maryland transfer earned a 90.6 overall grade and 92.4 pass-rushing grade last season, leading all Power Five edge defenders in both categories. Robinson makes up for his lack of size with his explosiveness and flexibility as a pass-rusher. With another productive season in one of the best conferences in the country, Robinson could see his name skyrocket up draft boards this fall.) (6-19-23):
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-8-draft-eligible-prospects-who-could-earn-first-round-consideration-in-2023
10 college football breakout candidates for the 2023 season (EDGE CHOP ROBINSON, PENN STATE: Demeioun “Chop” Robinson had a standout season as a sophomore in 2022. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound pass rusher recorded an elite 92.4 grade with 53 total pressures. His pass-rush win percentage was a very impressive 23.6%. His being a breakout candidate is less about production and more about the recognition as one of the top pass rushers in the country.) (5-18-23):
https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-breakout-candidates-2023-season
2024 NFL Draft Watch List: 10 prospects to know at every defensive position (CHOP ROBINSON, PENN STATE: Robinson dominated in his first year with the Nittany Lions after transferring in from Maryland. He led all Power Five edge defenders in overall grade (90.6) and pass-rushing grade (92.4) this past season. Robinson’s 23.6% pass-rush win rate ranked sixth among that same group. He’s not the biggest (6-foot-3, 242 pounds) edge defender, but he is incredibly explosive and relentless.) (5-10-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-watch-list-10-prospects-to-know-every-defensive-position
Ranking top 10 defensive prospects for 2024 NFL Draft: Loaded edge rusher group, smooth Alabama CB, and more (6. Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State: Such an amazing name for an amazing breakout player in 2022. Robinson's a smaller, highly explosive, flexible outside rusher who typically manufactures pressure in a hurry. His games against Auburn, Michigan and Utah were ridiculous. Burst, bend, dip -- it was an athleticism showcase for the Nittany Lions star. He does need to get better and more powerful with his hands. But his traits are through the roof. And you know -- the first round is mainly reserved for the freaky athletes. Kalen King, Penn State's other star cornerback in 2022, has major upside as well.) (5-9-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/ranking-top-10-defensive-prospects-for-2024-nfl-draft-loaded-edge-rusher-group-smooth-alabama-cb-and-more/
